Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Holiday Tree Trimming Party

Every year Michael and myself host a Christmas tree trimming party in which we invite our closest friends over to help us decorate our Christmas tree. Every guest brings one appetizer to share and we provide the cocktails and dessert! Our annual party happened last night and Foodbuzz was nice enough to select our party as part of their 24, 24, 24 promotion. Thanks Foodbuzz!

Since this was an appetizer potluck, I have tons of great holiday appetizer ideas perfect for your holiday party!



Christmas is Michael’s favorite holiday, so our tiny apartment gets a radical make-over during this time of year. Vintage Christmas decorations flood every inch of wall space as the infamous video yuletide log flickers on the t.v. screen---it’s quite a sight! The only thing NOT decorated is the Christmas tree. At the beginning of the party the tree is bare and naked, and as guests begin to arrive they each dig into the giant boxes of vintage ornaments that Michael has collected and they begin to slowly decorate the tree. It’s a communal effort, and by the end of the night the tree is shimmering and beautiful!

The star of the night (other than the tree of course) however, is Michael’s classic eggnog. This eggnog is made from scratch and tastes nothing like the store bought jug variety. It’s a revelation. And for the first time this year, I made a Buche de Noel cake as the evening dessert. I was petrified of the rolling, and I did end up cracking the darn thing, but it did taste wonderful, so I guess not all was lost!

Here are some of the appetizers that made an appearance last night:

-Bacon Wrapped Dates
-Hot Crab Dip with Toasted Baguette
-Artichoke Spinach Dip
-Mango and Brie Quesadillas
-Apple and Caramelized Onion Tart with Stilton Blue Cheese
-Crudite Platter with Herb Lime Dip
-Bruschetta of Sauteed Bell Pepper, Capers, and Basil
-Canapes with Prosciutto and Fennel Slaw

The star of last night however was Michael's Classic Eggnog.....well, technically it's Martha Stewart's recipe, and let me tell you, if you've never had REAL eggnog YOU MUST make this immediately.  This tastes nothing like the jugs they sell in the grocery store but be warned...this little drink packs a punch!

Ingredients

• 12 large eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 1/2 quarts heavy cream
• 3 cups bourbon
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 2 cups cognac
• Freshly grated nutmeg

 Directions

1. In a very large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually add sugar to yolks. With a wire whisk, beat in milk and 1 quart cream. Add bourbon, rum, and cognac, stirring constantly.
2. Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Whip remaining heavy cream until stiff and fold in. Sprinkle with nutmeg 

And of course last but not least, my Buche de Noel cake.  I made the Martha Stewart recipe only I made a coffee buttercream instead of the chocolate mousse.  It was divine!

Martha Stewart Buche de Noel Recipe

Thanks again to Foodbuzz for making last night's party extra special!